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Transposition of the Great Arteries (TGA)

Transposition of the great arteries (TGA) is the most common cyanotic (low blood oxygen) congenital heart defect.

Normally, the pulmonary artery comes off the right ventricle to pump deoxygenated (less oxygen content) blood to the lungs to get oxygen, while the aorta comes off the left ventricle to pump oxygenated blood from the lungs to the rest of the body.

In TGA, the arteries are switched. The aorta comes off the right ventricle and pumps deoxygenated blood to the body while the pulmonary artery comes off the left ventricle and pumps deoxygenated and oxygenated blood to the lungs.

This condition occurs predominantly in males, with a 90 percent mortality rate within the first year of life if left untreated. Like most congenital heart defects, the cause is unknown.

Symptoms of Transposition of the Great Arteries

Symptoms such as cyanosis, a bluish color to the skin, usually appear at birth or shortly after birth. The severity of the symptoms depends on the size and type of the defects and how much oxygen moves through the body.

Other common symptoms include:

TGA with no defect

Severe cyanosis within 24 hours of life

TGA with large ventricular septal defect (VSD)

Mild cyanosis when crying, increased breathing rate, increased heart rate, sweating, and failure to gain weight over the first six weeks of life

TGA with VSD and obstruction in left ventricle

Extreme cyanosis at birth

TGA with VSD and pulmonary artery obstruction

Progressive cyanosis from birth

Diagnosis of Transposition of the Great Arteries

Your UT Southwestern Medical Center doctor may perform several tests to diagnose transposition of the great arteries. Common diagnostic tests include:

Request an Appointment

To schedule an appointment with a transposition of the great arteries expert at UT Southwestern's facilities in Dallas or for more information about our services, request an appointment or call 214-645-8300.